Gold Coast, with its sprawling coastline over a stretch of 35.4 miles (57 kilometers), is situated in the heart of sub-tropical Queensland. One of the leading areas in terms of business, tourism, and lifestyle, Gold Coast promises something for everyone. Also known as Australia’s top spot for lovers of sun and sand, its incredible beachside location is what makes it a consistent favorite with travelers. Much of the area is rife with natural beauty besides being the heart and soul of entertainment and surfing. It is home to numerous amusement parks such as Sea World and Wet n’ Wild. Apart from this, it is also where you will find Lamington National Park with plenty of outdoor adventures in store. The pearly white-sand beaches and reliable waves make sure that you get great surfing. Check out our list of the top 10 surf spots in Gold Coast, Australia.
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1. Duranbah Beach
About 1150 feet (350 meters) in length, Duranbah Beach, also known locally as “Dee-bah”, offers great surf even under unfavorable weather conditions. This spot relies largely on a break wall that separates it from the mouth of Tweed River. This makes it popular among experienced surfers for its powerful, high-quality surf break. Duranbah Beach also hosts a number of international and professional surfing competitions. Be sure to take a look at Surfboard Empire Cooly for some very affordable surf gear
Duranbah Beach
Address: Dummy address
Website: Duranbah Beach
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
2. The Spit
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
The Spit is the far north surfing beach on the Gold Coast. This beach has great conditions for beginner-level surfers. If you are new to surfing, this is the beach for you. There is no day when you will not have at least decent-sized waves to learn how to surf. The pumping jetty collects high amounts of sand, resulting in gently rolling waves so you can surf all the way to shore. The area is surrounded by natural parklands and you can use public transport also to get there.
The Spit
Address: Southport, Gold Coast, Queensland 4217, Australia
Website: The Spit
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
3. Palm Beach
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Palm Beach is known to be Queensland’s cleanest beach. Offering excellent views of the city skyline, this beach is also a surfer’s delight. The artificial reef ensures favorable conditions for intermediate and advanced surfers. Here, the dependable waves break both left and right, creating suitable surfing conditions all year round. To enjoy a day of fun and frolic with good surf, make sure to check out Palm Beach Surf Club with its accommodation and food options.
Palm Beach
Address: Gold Coast, Queensland 4221, Australia
Website: Palm Beach
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
4. Rainbow Bay
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Rainbow Bay’s picturesque and tranquil landscape is what makes it one of the most beautiful beaches on Gold Coast. Its gentle rolling surf attracts surfers of all skill levels. Owing to safety conditions such as a sheltered swimming area, round-the-clock patrolling, and lack of rips, it is quite popular with families. Beautiful sunset dinners, minutes away at Rainbow Bay Supporters Club, provides a relaxing evening by the bay. With facilities such as barbecues and picnic tables, it is a great place for some family fun!
Rainbow Bay
Address: Gold Coast, Queensland 4225, Australia
Website: Rainbow Bay
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
5. Currumbin Alley
Currumbin Alley is very popular amongst experienced surfers who love a good challenge while tackling high peaks. However, the waters also shelter gentler waves that make it perfect for beginners. If you’re into longboarding or kiteboarding, be sure to take advantage of the quality of the waves here on any given day. If you’re looking for surfing lessons, check out Currumbin Alley Surf School which is a five-minute drive from Coolangatta Airport.
Currumbin Alley
Address: Gold Coast, Queensland 4223, Australia
Website: Currumbin Alley
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
6. Tugun Beach
Tugun, a lovely and safe family beach that has been enjoyed for generations, is popular for its reliable surf. The southwest offshore winds make this beach perfect for winter surfing. Part of the World Surfing Reserve, it is also an excellent spot to bring toddlers. Make sure you surf near the all-year-round patrolled Tugun Lifesaving Club for some extra peace of mind. Cafes and bars, picnic tables, and public toilets are all available at Tugun.
Tugun Beach
Address: Gold Coast, Queensland 4224, Australia
Website: Tugun Beach
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
7. Greenmount Point
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Greenmount Point is located at the southeastern tip of Coolangatta Beach. This sheltered tree-lined beach guarantees protected surfing from the southeast winds, making it a favorite with beginners and intermediate level surfers. The consistent, hollow waves it produces strike a chord with professional surfers too. It is also perfect for families on a day out at the beach. Picnic facilities and its proximity to commercial establishments make it a fun place to hang out for people of all ages.
Greenmount Point
Address: Gold Coast, Queensland 4225, Australia
Website: Greenmount Point
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
8. Broadbeach
Broadbeach is considered to be a go-to destination for surfers. The pleasant weather conditions make it ideal for surfers of all levels. Known for its surf lessons and 24/7 patrolling, Broadbeach has become one of Australia’s iconic surf destinations. If you’re looking for some good entertainment and shopping with family, the casino and convention center is only a short walk from the beach. Overall, Broadbeach provides a pleasant environment for surf, sun, and plenty of activity.
Broadbeach
Address:Broadbeach, Queensland 4218, Australia
Website: Broadbeach
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
9. Kirra Beach
Being sheltered from the strong winds and waves coming from the southeast, Kirra Beach is considered to be one of the safest beaches on the Gold Coast. Thus, it is not surprising why it is so popular among all surfers, regardless of their skill level. Kirra Surf Club is situated near the beach and a popular location for surf lessons. You can also pick up some affordable surf gear from Kirra Surf Shop. Kirra Point, which separates it from Coolangatta Beach, is part of the World Surf Reserve and is strictly for experienced surfers.
Kirra Beach
Address: Coolangatta, Queensland 4225, Australia
Website: Kirra Beach
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
10. Kurrawa Beach
Kurrawa Beach is undoubtedly one of the most utilized and beautifully developed beaches on the Gold Coast. It offers an attractive 10 miles (16 kilometers) of beautiful surf and has the most extensive beach reserves in the area. With its central location, clean sands, clear waters, and great patrolling lifeguards, Kurrawa offers a huge range of attractions and facilities which make it a great beach for surfers, swimmers, and families alike.
Kurrawa Beach
Address: Broadbeach, Queensland 4218, Australia
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
Surf and sand beckons
It is easy to see why surfers from all over the world flock to Gold Coast. With about 44 miles (70 kilometers) of beaches and 4 epic point breaks, the region has some of the best and most consistent waves in Australia. Its weather conditions are conducive to surfers of all skill levels and most beaches are professionally patrolled all year round.
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